Hello all
First of all, I am new to Spirit brewing, or homebrew altogether. I usully steam my mates homebrew beer, but I think its about time I started to pitch in. I am more of a spirits drinker however, and I thought since we are both have never made a batch of spirits, I would come on here and ask a few questions. Before I do, ill give you a little bit of an idea what I'm looking for, I am a Bourbon drinker, nothing fancy, I usually stick with Jim Beam just because its cheap, but I do like to try the more expensive bottles for something a little different. I will also like to make a bottle of 2 of vodka, for mixes for the girls.
Equipment:
* 30lt Urn or Pot from HBS
* POT top (Ima say thingie haha)
* Fermenter
* Glass Decanter (Jug)
Its actually a kit from the HBS so I't should have everything if I'm missing anything important here.
Now onto the questions. First up, I am looking at a POT Distil, I know a lot of people thing (And are probably right) that the reflux is better all round, But as far as I can understand, POT is better for Bourbon style spirits, and you can double distil for vodka style spirits. I will be getting a POT Distil, mainly because its cheaper, but I would like to know what people think;
1. Do you loose a lot more alcohol compared to reflux?
2. Is the % a lot lower even after a second distil?
The last set of questions I would like to ask is related to recipes, I am aware of 2 main types of wart, mash? probably said that wrong, but I believe one is just straight Dextrose, water, and some yeast... the other is a Mash mad from grains, and a mate suggested a sort of half half, 5kg Dextrose and 2kg malt extract (believe that's what he said). Now I will probably try one of each of these, and of each try to make a bourbon and vodka from each also. So questions;
1. Does anyone have any suggestions of what ingredients to use for each mixes? How much of each ect?
2. What Wood Chips and/or Essence do you you guys like for bourbon (I realise this is personal choice usually)?
3. What am I missing, I know I am, do you need more then Dextrose, Water, Yeast and flavouring?
4. What do you need for the first time, eg I hear carbon? filter?
Thanks guys in advance